A FOOL THERE WAS
Starring Theda Bara, Edward José and May Allison
MOTION PICTURE NEWS
January 23, 1915

Perhaps the highest word of praise that can be cited concerning
this picture is that it is powerfully absorbing in all its parts.
No six-reel picture witnessed by the writer has surpassed it in
its gripping and tenacious qualities, which it may be judged is
no mean comparison.

Based on Rudyard Kipling's great poem, "The Vampire,"
the picture's greatest appeal lies in the terrible weakness of
the man and the fateful fascination and relentless heart of the
woman - the Vampire.

As a play, "A Fool There Was " enjoyed a tremendous
success on Broadway, with Robert Hilliard in the role of the Fool.
Edward Jose, who takes this part in the film version, is practically
sure of making the same tremendous hit, as the manner in which
he grasps the many heavily dramatic opportunities which his part
has presented him, stamp him as one of the greatest character
actors which the screen boasts of.

Theda Bara, in the opposite principal part of the Vampire,
has an equally important part, which she plays with great skill.
As she appears on the screen hardly a better personality could
be found for the role. The rest of he cast is equal to any occasion
that presented itself; their acting is a finished as that of the
two leads, and without their able assistance the picture would
lose much of its dramatic value.

Frank Powell directed the picture, which is his second for
the Box Office Attraction company. In this he has made just as
big as success as he has with "Samson." The work is
of a totally different nature, and by his success in both of the
works, he has shown himself a master of screen direction, if that
fact has never been established before.
The photography is good in all scenes, and the lighting is appropriate
at all times. The scenes in which the Fool is seen hopelessly
dragging himself about on the floor of his once gorgeous house,
driveling with drink and lust are tinted a dim red, and materially
enhance the dramatic effect.

In the beginning of the first reel we see the man who is later
the Fool, in the midst of a very happy family. He is rich and
influential, beloved by all who know him and respected by the
entire country. Because of his popularity and ability, he is commissioned
to go abroad on a mission for his nation. Circumstances prevent
his wife and girl from accompanying him. On board ship he meets
the Vampire, who has been responsible for the ruination of a score
of men, and who has set her heart on procuring the man for her
plaything. She accomplishes her desire (on the screen) by the
profuse use of kisses and the absence of the accustomed styles
in women's fashions.

Thereafter the Fool becomes her slave. Back in America his
friend comes to take him home - he will not go. His wife comes,
but when he has about decided to depart with her, the temptress
appears. The Fool's decision is immediately changed by being taken
in a warm embrace and feeling the woman's lips pressed against
this own.

And the story ends with the man dead on the floor, with the
Vampire kneeling by him, gloating and smiling.

Aside from the fact that it will do the very young little good,
and perhaps harm, to witness the film, it is exceedingly excellent.
It will practically absorb all classes; it is convincingly and
powerfully acted; bears the marks of excellent direction, and
is photographed well, and little more could be asked.

A FOOL THERE WAS
Starring Theda Bara, Edward José and May Allison
VARIETY
March 12, 1915

"A Fool There Was" is the product of the Fox Film
Corporation. The picture is in six-reels and is a close adaptation
from the play of the same name. The strong man caught in the meshes
of a wicked woman makes an interesting theme. The life of the
man and woman as shown in the picture during their time in Italy
would make any fellow forget all about the old home. The two leading
players are Edouard (sic) José and Theda Bara. Miss Bara
as the vampire scores easily. José did better when elderly.
The remainder of the cast has been well chosen. The women are
exceptionally attractive. Mabel Frenyear as the wife impresses,
and May Allison as the sister is petite and atractive. In direction
the picture has been well taken care of. A bit of mixed-up business
enters when the characters are said to be in Italy in one instance,
and again in London. Explanation would have removed all doubt
as to who kept up the beautiful home while the husband was away
with the other woman. The scene in the vampire's apartment at
the ending of hte picture is rather broad.